ATLANTA, Dec. 11, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Armagh Group, Inc. (OTCBB:AMGH) today announced the signing of a Master Service Agreement between its recently acquired SmartVideo unit, a leading provider of video distribution to the dial-up and broadband Internet user, and EpicLearning, Inc., one of the nation's leading Distance Learning providers.
SmartVideo and EpicLearning will integrate Epic's blended learning content and content development process with streaming recorded classes of teachers and recognized subject-matter experts powered by SmartVideo's world-class video distribution system. Content will be available in live, scheduled, and on-demand formats. Epic's first implementation is for K-12 content, of which more than 30,000 students will be purchasing blended courses in Algebra, Geometry, Chemistry and Biology, with 3-4 hours of streaming video for each student.
"Our blended learning content for K-12 education offers students and schools an online content solution that motivates learners and improves student achievement. Integrating SmartVideo's streaming video solution seamlessly into our content will enrich the student experience and differentiate Epic's K-12 solution with content providers that support primarily text and chat," said Burr Warne, President and CEO of EpicLearning.
SmartVideo extends EpicLearning's patented Blended Learning(SM) approach to build content solution for on-line delivery. No other on-line learning solution combines the rich mix of video, virtual classes and live on-line coaching with proven self-study programs, hands-on labs, simulations and a network of outside resources.
"This approach promotes greater retention and accommodates differences in learning styles. With Blended Learning, students can decide what works for them and what doesn't," said Warne.
"With SmartVideo's capability to seamlessly integrate dynamic video into our content, this agreement enables EpicLearning to bring solutions to students in both the corporate and educational sectors of our business. Because SmartVideo's technology permits content distribution even down to the dial-up user, we are able to serve our entire marketplace -- no other provider can provide this capability," Warne said.
About EpicLearning
EpicLearning specializes in the custom development, delivery, and management of e-learning solutions for the distribution of knowledge and information worldwide through a highly sophisticated web-based application infrastructure. Epic's customer solution provides the technology architecture and support to deliver and manage education content through customized private learning networks. An "EpicPowered" private learning network provides the platform to host and deliver a blend of live and self-paced content, a learning environment for students, a teaching environment for subject-matter experts, and a learning management system. Using this platform, administrators can manage and distribute the content uniquely to each user. More information can be found about EpicLearning at the company's website: http://www.epiclearning.com
About SmartVideo
SmartVideo designs, develops, sells, and markets video compression and processing technology that delivers full motion video content to a web browser using an Internet connection. SmartVideo uses its proprietary technology to offer services that enable full motion video content to be viewed via both dial-up and broadband Internet connections. These technologies enable live video broadcast, with viewer interactivity, to more than 95% of all Internet users. SmartVideo addresses the increasingly important role that delivery of rich media content plays in Internet communications. SmartVideo products and services deliver, live or pre-recorded, rich media content, combining traditional web-based text, graphics, and hyper-links with smooth, real-time video, and high-quality audio.
Companies around the world are looking to harness the power of video and audio on their websites and in other corporate applications. SmartVideo believes that the demand for, and use of, its services will grow at a faster rate than most other Internet applications. More information and application Demos can be found at SmartVideo's website: http://www.smartvideo.com. Additionally, any prospective clients or shareholders can log into the SmartVideo website on most Thursdays at 1 p.m. EST to see live demos of the SmartVideo application.
SmartVideo is based in Norcross, Ga., a suburb of Atlanta.
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. Words such as "intends," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, future events or performance and assumptions and other statements that are not statements of historical fact. Although the company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove correct.